Dredging project in process at Salt Ponds Inlet in Hampton

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HAMPTON, Va.- Massive amounts of sand being scooped and then placed along this shore has become a familiar daily sight for the last couple of months for homeowners along Salt Ponds Inlet.

The dredging started in November and has continued throughout the months. Whitestone-based Docks of the Bay is the company behind it and says they are in the home stretch of finishing the $750,000 project.

“It’s hard to tell now, but we’ve built this beach up probably three or four feet on this side and then the side closest to the water probably five or six feet. So, there’s been a lot of sand that’s been put here," says Scotty George, owner of Docks of the Bay.

30,000 cubic yards is the amount of sand the company is allowed to dredge.

When the project is all finished, the piles of sand being put along the shore will soon be smoothed over by a bulldozer. Homeowners who live on the inlet’s shore say they're grateful for more protection against the elements.

“If you have a hurricane or really strong winds come in here, it pushes the water up and the water’s going to get on the dunes. The grass is going to be gone and next thing you know it’s going to get up to the house," says Craig Smith, homeowner along Salt Ponds Inlet.

Boaters say they’re excited for the change, because now they can get through the channel without the possibility of getting stuck in the sand in the inlet.

“Yes, I have hit ground. After storms, the bottom gets so stirred up you don’t know what it’s like until you actually get in your boat and go out in it.”

The project is expected to be finished by the end of March and many are confident it’ll be well worth the wait.